Carrickfergus war memorial vandalism 'disgusting and despicable'

There has been strong condemnation following an act of vandalism at Carrickfergus War Memorial this week.
Graffiti including a swastika appeared on the war memorial in Carrickfergus.Graffiti including a swastika appeared on the war memorial in Carrickfergus.
Graffiti including a swastika appeared on the war memorial in Carrickfergus.

Graffiti including a swastika was discovered on the memorial at Joymount on Tuesday, while glass was also smashed on a bus shelter nearby.

A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said that the graffiti was removed from the memorial as soon as it was reported to the local authority. "This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and we would encourage anyone with information to report it to police," the spokesperson added.

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East Antrim UUP MLA, John Stewart condemned the incident as a "disgusting and despicable" act of vandalism. "I’m not sure there could be anything worse than to see swastikas carved into the stone of such a sacred place," he said.

Glass smashed on a bus shelter at Joymount.Glass smashed on a bus shelter at Joymount.
Glass smashed on a bus shelter at Joymount.

"The time has surely come to see CCTV installed in these areas in an attempt to reduce such behaviour or at least catch those responsible."

Stewart Dickson, Alliance Party MLA for the area added: "The desecration of the war memorial in Carrickfergus today by vandals who scrawled a Nazi swastika and other graffiti must be held to account for their obscene actions."

Mid and East Antrim DUP councillor, Marc Collins said those who committed the 'disgraceful' act of vandalism "need a serious history lesson". He added: "There’s been a worrying increase in vandalism around the Cenotaph including bus stops smashed and lights broken, but this is a step too far."

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A PSNI spokesperson confirmed police were are aware of damage caused to a war memorial and a bus shelter in the Joymount area of Carrickfergus.

"Enquiries are continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101," the spokesperson added.

"A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

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